What to wear to a wedding as a guest: 6 outfits that always work
Wedding guest outfit ideas for every dress code, from city hall to black tie, with real pieces from Zara and Mango, and how to try them on yourself first.
The invitation says “festive” and you have nothing to wear. The rules are simpler than they look: do not compete with the couple, match the dress code, and dress for the venue and the season.
The three rules
No white, cream or anything that photographs as white. No total black at a daytime wedding unless the couple asked for it. And check the venue: grass and heels do not mix, a church may want covered shoulders, an October garden needs a layer.
6 outfits that always work
1. A midi slip dress in a jewel tone, emerald or burgundy, with a fitted blazer for the ceremony. 2. A floral wrap dress for a daytime summer wedding. 3. Wide-leg trousers and a silk blouse in one colour: elegant, comfortable, dances well. 4. A lace dress in blue or blush. 5. For men, a navy suit with no tie for smart casual, add one for formal. 6. A linen suit in sand or light grey for a beach or summer wedding.
Autumn and winter weddings
Velvet, satin and heavier knits. Darker, richer colours. A long coat that goes over a dress is the piece most people forget.
See it on you before you buy
Ask AwesomeHeap “what should I wear to a wedding in October, under $200?” and get several complete outfits from real shops, on your own face and figure, with the shopping list for each one.
